Lincoln City Food Pantry Manger Tilly Miller said the harsh winter storms sent more single adults and families to the facility.
“We usually average about 1,000 per month, but in January, we saw about 1,400 and about 1,300 in February,” she said. “We’re seeing more people who have never used the food pantry before because they are just having a hard time.”
Miller said a reduction in food stamp allotments after the COVID pandemic also added to the increased demand for food.
“Also, some people moving here are finding that their money doesn’t go as far as they thought it would,” she said, urging anyone moving to Lincoln City to be prepared. “There could be hidden costs, or unexpected costs, like medical issues that people should be prepared for,” she said.
Grocery store connection
Local grocery stores continue to help fill the pantry shelves as often as they can with canned and boxed goods.
“The grocery stores also donate food they have to pull from their shelves, like deli items, produce, and dairy products, but it is food that is eatable and meets safety guidelines from the Oregon Food Bank,” Miller said. “We try to transport that food quickly from the stores to the pantry’s big freezers and refrigerators so that that food is maintained at a safe level.”
Before the pandemic, the food pantry was organized to provide a family friendly shopping experience. When the pandemic occurred, that system changed due to social distancing guidelines.
“We are still bagging the food up and bringing it outside to our visitors since the pandemic,” Miller said. “They are not able to shop inside yet. One good thing is, it is faster for everybody. It would be really hard for us to take care of the amount of people coming inside during the four hours we are open Tuesday and Thursday.”
A decision to change that system is possible, Miller added.
“That would change the dynamics of how we do a lot of things,” she said. “Right now, we prepare the food ahead of time and bag it up, and we would not do that if people were shopping.”
Overall, Miller said the food pantry is making a difference in the community.
“There are challenges, but I kind of roll with it,” she said. “People are just trying to get enough groceries each day. I am happy to be a part of a place people can rely on and were they have less anxiety. I enjoy meeting new people.”
How to help
While donations of non-perishable foods, gluten-free and low-sugar items are encouraged, Miller said financial donations are also appreciated.
“Whatever gives them the most pleasure,” she said. “Check donations gives us the most flexibility.”
Checks can be mailed to: Lincoln City Food Pantry, PO Box 1260, Lincoln City, Oregon 97367.
The Lincoln City Food Pantry is open from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and from 10 a.m. to noon the third Saturday of the month. The pantry has about 20 volunteers, with one paid staffer, and operates on approximately $6,000 monthly.
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